Crows AFLW forward Sarah Perkins will undergo minor ankle surgery this week.
Perkins will have a procedure to relieve an impingement in the joint, which will keep her sidelined for 4 – 6 weeks. The 23-year-old was one of the stars of the inaugural AFL Women’s Competition, earning All Australian selection and taking out the Crows’ Leading Goalkicker Award.
Defender Heather Anderson is undergoing further assessment and surgical review after dislocating her shoulder in the Club’s Grand Final win over the Brisbane Lions.
Fellow Territorian-based Crow Sophie Armitstead, who tore the meniscus in her left knee against the Western Bulldogs in Round Two, is continuing her rehabilitation from the injury.
The Club’s women’s players will be on mandatory leave until April 17. As a general guide, the players will be available to play football at club/local level, or participate in other sports from May 31. There is some flexibility for players, including dual-sports athletes like Club Champion Erin Phillips, who will return to the US to play with WNBA team, the Dallas Wings.
The AFLW player signing and trade period will take place from May 1 – May 19.
During this period, each Club is able to sign up to 22 players, either from its 2017 primary list or players traded in from other clubs.
AFLW squads will be extended to 30 for Season 2018, which includes 27 senior-listed players and three rookies. Rookies must either be under 21 years of age on January 1, 2018, or not have played Australian Football or been part of an AFL high performance program in the three years prior to May 1, 2017.
A free agency period will follow the trade window, and any un-signed players after that point can nominate for the AFLW Draft to be held on October 18.
The pre-season is expected to start in November ahead of AFLW 2018 next January (dates TBC).
AFLW Key Offseason Dates
April 3 – 17 – Mandated player leave period
May 1 – 19 – Player signing and trade period
May 20 – 26 – Free agency period
May 31 – August 31 – Player integration into SAWFL/other sport if desired
September 4 – September 29 – Un-signed players can nominate for the Draft
October 18 – AFLW Draft
November 1 – January 20, 2018 – AFLW pre-season followed by AFLW 2018 Season (dates TBC by AFL)
